Christian Brothers Automotive investment runs $478K–$575K. SBA 7(a) and equipment financing are primary vehicles. Auto service lifts and diagnostic equipment provide strong collateral. Reputation-driven repeat-customer model supports DSCR.
Christian Brothers Automotive is a full-service auto repair franchise with a distinctive values-based approach — transparency, customer respect, and community involvement are core brand pillars. The franchise operates from dedicated auto repair facilities (typically 5,000–8,000 sq ft) with multiple service bays. The repeat-customer model and community referral network create recurring revenue. CBA is selective about franchisees — owner-operator (not absentee) management is a requirement. This guide covers financing mechanics — see the companion cost-to-start guide for the full investment breakdown.
Per the current CBA FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $478K–$575K. Lenders evaluate:
CBA's Monday–Friday, no-weekend model caps revenue potential relative to 7-day auto service competitors — lenders underwriting new-unit DSCR may apply a modest revenue discount vs. comparable auto service brands. Isolate vehicle lifts in a separate 5–7 year equipment facility to reduce the SBA 7(a) balance; lifts carry 50–70% advance rates as equipment collateral. SBA Express is viable for the lower end of CBA's range ($478K–$500K), enabling faster approval timelines.
Christian Brothers Automotive is on the SBA Franchise Directory, enabling SBA 7(a) lenders to fast-track eligibility. 7(a) covers leasehold improvements, equipment, and working capital:
SBA 504 applies when a CBA franchisee purchases the service facility building. Many CBA operators lease commercial bay space, but franchisees purchasing their facility use 504 for the real estate alongside an equipment facility.
Vehicle lifts, alignment systems (two-post, four-post, and alignment rack), diagnostic computers, specialty tooling, and tire mounting and balancing equipment are major capital items with strong resale value. Equipment loans run 3–7 years. Financing the equipment package separately from the leasehold build-out can reduce the primary SBA loan amount and produce better equipment-specific pricing.
Christian Brothers Automotive provides preferred-lender relationships and development support for franchisees. No direct in-house lending, but CBA's selectivity in franchisee approval — combined with the owner-operator requirement — means the franchisee pool is generally high-quality, a favorable signal for lenders.
Christian Brothers Automotive requires approximately $200K–$250K in liquid assets for prospective franchisees. SBA's minimum equity injection is 10%; auto service lenders at this investment level typically require 20–25% from liquid personal funds. Post-closing liquidity covers operating costs during the 3–6 month community referral ramp.
Apply at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender in our network. Related: SBA 7(a) loan application walkthrough · Christian Brothers Automotive franchise costs.
Yes. CBA is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) is the primary vehicle for the $478K–$575K investment. Vehicle lifts and diagnostic equipment provide strong collateral.
Yes. Lifts, alignment systems, and diagnostic equipment can be financed via equipment loans at 3–7 year terms with the equipment as collateral. This reduces the primary SBA loan amount.
Positively. Lenders view owner-operator requirements favorably — they correlate with better unit performance and lower default risk. CBA's selectivity in franchisee approval further signals quality to lenders.
CBA requires approximately $200K–$250K in liquid assets. SBA's minimum equity injection is 10%; most auto service lenders require 20–25% from liquid personal funds at this investment level.
Expect 60–90 days from a completed SBA application to funding. Facility build-out timelines and equipment procurement may drive the overall project schedule beyond the financing timeline.